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Soldier who lost use of his arm in training will compete in international rowing event

Richard French, 35, from Holsworthy, was badly hurt during a training exercise in America in March 2015 when he was parachuting

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by Neil Shaw

07:20, 21 Aug 2017Updated13:11, 21 Aug 2017

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Richard French and his wife Olivia

A former Devon soldier whose arm was destroyed in a parachute accident during training is to take part in an international rowing competition as part of the Invictus Games in Canada.

Richard French, 35, from Holsworthy, was badly hurt during a training exercise in America in March 2015 when he was parachuting.

The fall saw him shatter his right shoulder – his biceps were ripped in half and his injury is beyond repair. Olivia, Richard's wife, recalls the moment she found out about his injury.

She said: "Richard's injury took place during a training exercise in America in March 2015 when he was parachuting. I knew the time he was supposed to jump and started to worry when I hadn't heard from him in 10 hours.

Richard French on patrol in Afghanistan in 2010

"Eventually I got a text from him saying 'I'm just going into surgery but don't worry I'm fine' – then nothing for another 10 hours! Despite having shattered his right shoulder – and having his biceps ripped in half, he stayed out there for another two months because he wanted to get his job done.

"That's the sort of proud and determined man that Richard is. His injury, which is beyond repair, has knocked his confidence and The Invictus Games gives him the opportunity to rebuild his pride and confidence."

Despite losing the use of his arm, Richard has taken up rowing and will now compete at the international games in Canada next month.

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The former Colour Sergeant with the Coldstream Guards was medically discharged in 2017 after 17 years in the Army. Richard had always been a keen rugby player and says his injury in 2015 was the moment his life fell apart.

Richard, who served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, said: "With my injury first taking my sport away and then my career, I was feeling extremely down. I was starting to put weight on and I became more and more angry.

"Since first trying indoor rowing with one arm, with the Invictus Games firmly in my sights, I have found a new sport and will for fitness.

Richard French and his wife Olivia

"I have joined Guildford Rowing Club and competed in the British Rowing Indoor Championships (BRIC)."

After Toronto, Richard hopes to return to the BRIC and is aiming for the 2018 World Championships in Boston. He has also applied to the Bhubesi Pride Foundation to coach rugby across Africa, giving him the chance to get involved with rugby again.

He said: "I believe the drive The Invictus Games has given me has also helped me to get my first job in Civvy Street, and I hope to keep rowing for many years to come.

"The Band of Brothers Row 2 Recovery and Guildford Adaptive Rowing Team have all been amazing in helping me to discover this sport so far, and their continued support will keep me pushing forward."

The Royal British Legion is ensuring Richard, who now works as a Tanzania safari specialist, has all the support he needs when he goes to Canada - making sure his wife Olivia and his mum Shirley are able to be there with him. Richard now works as a Tanzania safari specialist for a travel company.

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Olivia, 27, a museum learning officer, said "For my husband, who has always been an action man getting stuck in to all sorts of extreme sports, his injury came as a terrible shock.

"I think at first it didn't sink in. We thought he would improve and now, two years later, his whole world has had to adapt.

"He can no longer do the sports he loved doing, and he can no longer do the job he loved – the only career he has known.

"The Invictus Games has given him that chance to feel what he used to feel in his work and leisure time; the exhilaration of competing and the camaraderie with other competitors.

"I'm so proud of him for everything he has achieved, but I think competing in the games will give him back some of the pride he has lost with his injury."

Olivia and Richard originally met online, and were married in the Westcountry in September 2016.

Richard French and his mum Shirley

Olivia added: "Richard has lost his career and, with support from friends and family, he has found a new career. It has been a huge adjustment into civilian (or as I call it) 'real' life.

"As Richard has had a disappointing and earlier than expected end to his career, The Invictus Games is giving him a focus and the positive end to his 17-year career that he deserves but unfortunately did not get leaving the Coldstream Guards.

"As he cannot take part in the competitive sports such as rugby that he used to love, his rowing gives him a drive and pride."

As well as family travelling to Canada, Richard will be supported from home. Olivia said: "Richard's family is extremely proud and will be watching and

"We have followed The Invictus Games from the start, watching the games in 2014. We felt so proud that something was being done to provide wounded soldiers with the opportunity to regain that pride which comes with being in the military."